The youngest Island in the archipelago, Hawaii’s Big Island was believed to be the first island Polynesian voyagers from the Marquesas islands set foot on 1,500 years ago.
In 1778, Captain Cook arrived on Kauai opening the door to an influx of westerners. Only a year later on the Big Island, warriors at Kealakekua Bay killed Cook after a contentious chain of events.
During this time of discovery, Hawaii’s Big Island was divided into separate chiefdoms and war between factions was common. In 1791, Kohala-born Kamehameha united the Big Island and went on to unify all of the Hawaiian Islands. This was the home to King Kamehameha’s court until it moved to Oahu in 1804. In 1812, Kamehameha the Great returned to his beloved Big Island where he died in 1819.
In 1820, the first missionaries arrived in Kailua-Kona. Other westerners followed, introducing cattle to the island. Parker Ranch was born, becoming one of the largest cattle ranches in the country. Sugar plantations also bloomed on the Hilo side in the 20th century.
Today, the Big Island remains a vital touchstone for Hawaiian culture. Throughout its modernization, one ancient Hawaiian god is believed to be alive and well here. Pele, the volcano goddess, has settled in Kilauea Volcano after moving south along the island chain. She continues to display her power today, keeping Kilauea in a constant state of eruption, since 1983.
HISTORICAL SITES ON HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND:
Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park
This last place of refuge for kapu (taboo) breakers on the Kona Coast, is a 180-acre, completely restored compound offering an authentic look at ancient Hawaiian temple ruins, fish ponds, sacred burial spots, and petroglyphs from the time before Captain Cook’s arrival. Learn more
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Built in 1790-1791 under the rule of King Kamehameha I to help in his quest to unify the islands, this was the last major religious heiau (religious temple) built by ancient Hawaiians. Located in North Kohala, this is the largest restored heiau in Hawaii. Learn more
Kealakeku Bay
A monument marks the spot where Captain James Cook, who first established European contact with the Hawaiian Islands, was killed in a skirmish with natives in 1779. Today this marine life preserve is an excellent area for snorkeling. Learn more
King Kamehameha I State Monument and Statue
Hawaii’s greatest King was born here at the island’s northern tip in 1758, the same year Halley’s Comet appeared. In nearby Kapaau stands the original King Kamehameha Statue. Thought to be lost at sea, the statue was discovered after a replacement was created. The second (and more famous) statue stands across from Iolani Palace on Oahu.
Mokuaikaua Church
Located on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona, this is the first Christian Church built in Hawaii by the first missionaries to arrive on the islands in 1820.
